Piriformis SyndromeNCT07484373
Effects of Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome
A study testing Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises and conventional physiotherapy treatment in people with Piriformis Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The study was conducted to determine the effects of hip abductor strengthening exercises on pain, range of motion, and lower extremity function in patients with piriformis syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Piriformis Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises and conventional physiotherapy treatment
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 13 Jan 2025to 31 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Males and Females between 18 and 45 .
- Unilateral involvement, Onset of pain not > 2 weeks.
- Grade 1-3 Tenderness at piriformis muscle.
- Numeric pain rating scale>3and equal to, <6.
- Any three positive test among Piriformis Test, Beatty Test, Freiberg Test, FAIR Test, Sign of Pace \& Nagel.
Who cannot join
- Positive Leagues' sign.
- Any pathology or recent injury around hip, knee and SI joint .
- Fracture of femur \& hip joint dislocation.
- Pain due to neurological, spinal or pelvic origin.
- Limb length discrepancy .
- Stenosis of spine and disc herniation .
Show all 11Show fewer
- Any postural abnormality/ deformity .
- Tumors and facet joint pathology.
- Congenital or acquired abnormality in the spinal column .
- Pregnancy .
- Neurological conditions like, CVA, Parkinson's disease, non-cooperative \& subjects with psychological impairment .
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Lower Extremity Function in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome
The study was conducted to determine the effects of hip abductor strengthening exercises on pain, range of motion, and lower extremity function in patients with piriformis syndrome.
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Being tested
- Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises, conventional physiotherapy treatment
- Keywords
- Piriformis syndrome Pain, Quality of life, Hip abductor strengthening exercises, Lower Extremity Functional Scale
- Medical subject headings
- Piriformis Muscle Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening ExercisesOther
Experimental Group (Hip Abductor Strengthening + Baseline Physiotherapy) A structured hip abductor strengthening program divided into three progressive phases over four weeks, along with baseline physiotherapy treatment.
Phase I (Week 1 - Non-weight bearing / Isolated activation) Exercises: Bridging, Side-lying clam exercises, Side-lying hip abduction, Towel squeeze Dosage: 3 × 15 repetitions Phase II (Week 2 - Weight-bearing strengthening) Exercises: Squats, Side-stepping, Single-limb sit-to-stand, Step-up/Step-down, Leg press Dosage: 3 × 15 repetitions Phase III (Weeks 3-4 - Dynamic/Functional training) Exercises: Forward lunges, Double-limb jump Dosage: Week 3 → 3 × 15 repetitions Week 4 → 5 × 20 repetitions
conventional physiotherapy treatmentOther
conventional Physiotherapy treatment
- Hydro-collateral pack for 10 minutes over piriformis muscle (40°C)
- Pulsed ultrasound for 10 minutes at 2.25 W/cm²
- Piriformis stretching maneuver (20-second hold × 10 repetitions)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercise Group + conventional physiotherapy | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises; Other: conventional physiotherapy treatment |
| Arm 2: Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: conventional physiotherapy treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess lower extremity functional status in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It consists of 20 items related to daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting, and running. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = extreme difficulty/unable to perform, 4 = no difficulty), with a maximum total score of 80. Higher scores indicate better functional ability. The LEFS is widely used due to its high reliability, validity, and responsiveness in evaluating functional improvement over time.
Measured: From enrolment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure used to assess pain intensity. Patients are asked to rate their current pain level on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "worst imaginable pain." It is simple, quick to administer, and clinically reliable for monitoring changes in pain over time. A reduction of 2 points or more is generally considered clinically meaningful improvement
Measured: from enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Hip Abduction range of motion
Changes in hip abduction range of motion at baseline and 4 weeks of intervention were measured using a universal goniometer.
Measured: from enrollment to the end of treatment.
Hip external roration ROM
Changes in hip external rotation range of motion at baseline and 4 weeks of intervention were measured using a universal goniomete
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2026
- Study start13 Jan 2025
- Primary completion31 May 2025
- Study completion31 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Piriformis SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Humera Mubashar, Ms-OMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484373
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/01113
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Lower Extremity Function in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484373
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/01113
- Conditions
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Keywords
- Piriformis syndrome Pain, Quality of life, Hip abductor strengthening exercises, Lower Extremity Functional Scale
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The study was conducted to determine the effects of hip abductor strengthening exercises on pain, range of motion, and lower extremity function in patients with piriformis syndrome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercise Group + conventional physiotherapy | Experimental | Other: Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises, Other: conventional physiotherapy treatment |
| Arm 2: Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Other: conventional physiotherapy treatment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Males and Females between 18 and 45 .
- Unilateral involvement, Onset of pain not > 2 weeks.
- Grade 1-3 Tenderness at piriformis muscle.
- Numeric pain rating scale>3and equal to, <6.
- Any three positive test among Piriformis Test, Beatty Test, Freiberg Test, FAIR Test, Sign of Pace \& Nagel.
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Positive Leagues' sign.
- Any pathology or recent injury around hip, knee and SI joint .
- Fracture of femur \& hip joint dislocation.
- Pain due to neurological, spinal or pelvic origin.
- Limb length discrepancy .
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening ExercisesExperimental Group (Hip Abductor Strengthening + Baseline Physiotherapy) A structured hip abductor strengthening program divided into three progressive phases over four weeks, along with baseline physiotherapy treatment. Phase I (Week 1 - Non-weight bearing / Isolated activation) Exercises: Bridging, Side-lying clam exercises, Side-lying hip abduction, Towel squeeze Dosage: 3 × 15 repetitions Phase II (Week 2 - Weight-bearing strengthening) Exercises: Squats, Side-stepping, Single-limb sit-to-stand, Step-up/Step-down, Leg press Dosage: 3 × 15 repetitions Phase III (Weeks 3-4 - Dynamic/Functional training) Exercises: Forward lunges, Double-limb jump Dosage: Week 3 → 3 × 15 repetitions Week 4 → 5 × 20 repetitions | Other | Arm 1: Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercise Group + conventional physiotherapy |
| conventional physiotherapy treatmentconventional Physiotherapy treatment * Hydro-collateral pack for 10 minutes over piriformis muscle (40°C) * Pulsed ultrasound for 10 minutes at 2.25 W/cm² * Piriformis stretching maneuver (20-second hold × 10 repetitions) | Other | Arm 1: Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercise Group + conventional physiotherapy, Arm 2: Conventional Physiotherapy Group |
Primary outcome
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)
Time frame: From enrolment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess lower extremity functional status in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. It consists of 20 items related to daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, squatting, and running. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = extreme difficulty/unable to perform, 4 = no difficulty), with a maximum total score of 80. Higher scores indicate better functional ability. The LEFS is widely used due to its high reliability, validity, and responsiveness in evaluating functional improvement over time.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure used to assess pain intensity. Patients are asked to rate their current pain level on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "worst imaginable pain." It is simple, quick to administer, and clinically reliable for monitoring changes in pain over time. A reduction of 2 points or more is generally considered clinically meaningful improvement
2 secondary outcomes
Hip Abduction range of motion
Time frame: from enrollment to the end of treatment.
Hip external roration ROM
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Piriformis Syndrome
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Comparative Effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Reciprocal Inhibition Techniques inPiriformis Syndrome
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Humera Mubashar, Ms-OMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Progressive Hip Abductor Strengthening Exercises and conventional physiotherapy treatment in people with Piriformis Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) (time frame: From enrolment to the end of treatment at 4 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Mar 2026.